Virtual learning push by Wolfstar

A company aiming to provide schools with a 'virtual learning environment' has hired digital start-up Wolf-star on a 12-month retainer.

Norway-based tech outfit Fronter markets 'e-learning' systems to schools, universities and public sector organisations. The company has grown fivefold since entering the UK market and recently won a contract to supply schools in the London Grid for Learning, a consortium of 33 local authorities.

'The Government has set a target of 2008 for every school in the UK to have implemented a virtual learning environment,' said Wolfstar founder and director Stuart Bruce, who will lead the account team at the Leeds agency.

'The speed and ease with which Fronter's platform can be implemented means that schools actually do have a chance of meeting the Government's deadline.'

Fronter's 'open learning platform', where students can deliver homework, take tests and store their digital portfolio, is already in use at schools within the Blackpool and Lewisham local authorities.

Elsewhere in Europe, organisations including the Swedish armed forces are using Fronter for training and progress reports. Wolfstar will support Fronter's Oslo-based marketing team.

The digital agency has also made a new senior appointment, having poached account director Chris Norton away from Trimedia Harrison Cowley. Norton worked for Trimedia for almost five years, on client accounts including BT, the National Lottery and the Home Office.